In a grand opening ceremony held today at the McAlester Regional Airport, city officials and dignitaries gathered with invited guests to celebrate the completion of the 4,500 square foot terminal.
A ribbon-cutting marked the official opening of the $2.7 million facility, which was funded through a combination of federal and state grants, City of McAlester contributions, and a generous donation from the Choctaw Nation. The building nearly doubles the size of the original terminal, built in 1951.
“McAlester Regional Airport stands as the only jet-capable airport within a 50 nautical mile radius,” said Interim City Manager Ken Wimer. With its modern amenities, it is designed to better serve travelers, improve operations, and expand the airport’s role in economic development for McAlester and southeast Oklahoma.
The public open house that was scheduled for this weekend has been postponed to spring due to weather conditions.